Riverside National Cemetery is not your ordinary cemetery. Besides being the final resting place to more than 200,000 U.S. military personnel and their families, it is also a haven for those wanting to escape the stress and hassles of everyday life in Southern California. Riverside National Cemetery has 921 acres of vast rolling hills, peaceful lakes, walking paths and lush terrain, making it one of the most unique and third largest cemetery managed by the National Cemetery Association. Its open atmosphere makes it a welcoming environment for all ages.
Parking and public transportation at Riverside National Cemetery
There is a visitor's parking lot upon entering the cemetery, and parking available along most of the roadways throughout the venue. For those taking public transportation, the Riverside Transit Authority's routes 22 and 27 go through this Woodcrest neighborhood where the cemetery is located.
Best and worst time go to Riverside National Cemetery
Funerals are typically held continuously Monday through Friday, so traffic throughout the cemetery is bound to be busier during this time. The weekends are quieter and quite often more peaceful. Memorial services are commonly held on military holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Fourth of July, so there is more traffic throughout the cemetery at this time as well.
Admission to Riverside National Cemetery
Admission to Riverside National Cemetery is free. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for Memorial Day when it is open until 7 p.m. The office is closed all federal holidays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Visitation hours are 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
Must see/do at Riverside National Cemetery
Riverside National Cemetery is home of the Medal of Honor Memorial, one of four in the United States recognized as a National Medal of Honor Memorial Site. Visitors will also want to get a look at the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Memorial, which was designated a National Memorial by the U.S. Congress. Finally, there are the graves of many distinguished military personnel including Medal of Honor recipients, Distinguished Service Cross recipients and members of the Tuskegee Airmen to visit.
Other places to visit near Riverside National Cemetery
If you are a military buff and want to learn about the history of it in Riverside, the March Air Reserve Base and Museum are located right down the street from the cemetery. Also, the General Old Golf Course, named for Lt. Gen. Archie J. Old, is an 18-hole course next to the cemetery that was originally designated as a private military golf course.
Insider tip for visitors to Riverside National Cemetery
If you are looking for a specific grave or memorial at the cemetery, a computerized map and grave locator are available for public use during open hours even if the office is closed. It is located near the visitor's parking lot.
Author's bio: Mary Beth Adomaitis is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves to visit exciting and new places with her family. In the summer of 2014, she drove cross-country from California to Ohio, visiting 14 states in two weeks. A member of her immediate family is buried at Riverside National Cemetery.